Yankees' Mark Teixeira still out

Inflammation in Mark Teixeira's surgically-repaired right wrist kept him out of the lineup for a second straight game and manager Joe Girardi hinted that his first baseman might not return to action until Friday. Given Thursday's off date, "it could make sense to give him [tonight] off too," Girardi said.

Teixeira is scheduled to be examined Thursday in New York by Dr. Keith Raskin, who performed the wrist surgery last July 1. By phone, Dr. Rasking told Teixeira he's "99 percent sure that this is inflammation from over-use and completely expected," Teixeira said. "He was surprised I hadn't had more flare-ups."

Regardless, Teixeira will undergo an ultrasound test to inspect the tendon. "I'd love to play [tonight]," Teixeira said. "But we'll just see how it feels."

In the stars

Derek Jeter is leading the fan balloting among AL shortstops for this year's All-Star Game. With Jeter playing in his final season, the Yankees' captain seems to be a sentimental favorite to start July 15 at Minnesota's Target Field – though he's not assuming anything.

"I remember one time the game was in Boston [in 1999] and I was leading until a couple of hours left in the voting and Nomar [Garciaparra] got me," said Jeter, a 13-time All-Star. Overall, the captain is third among AL vote getters, trailing Mike Trout and Jose Bautista. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury fills out the leading AL outfield trio. "I'd love to see it," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Jeter starting in Minnesota. "He's been important to this game."

Comeback trail

Carlos Beltran (bone spur, right elbow) took 15 swings from each side, this time with a regular bat, and was "extremely excited today," Girardi said. "He'll take [today] off and then take more swings on Thursday." Beltran is trying to avoid surgery that could cost him up to 12 weeks.

Michael Pineda (strained upper back) had "a very good day," Girardi said of his 28-pitch, two-inning stint in extended spring training. He'll pitch again Sunday at Tampa, Fla.